Description
Soshu school is known for the most elegant tanto and a refined mastery of steel production. This Yukimitsu example is from the mid-1300s. Blade length is approximately 26cm, the original is illustrated below.
This template is based on the historical blade and precision cut from 2.5mm mild steel. Note that the surface is unfinished and may show signs of oxidation and scale, some oiling and care is required occasionally.
Apprentices were asked to make as many kata as they could: these are eventually used for sword making, can be kept for a lifetime for reference and study, and their very making is a good opportunity for practice.
A good to way to learn proper sword sugata, or silhouette, is to make a kata, or pattern, from 1.25-1.5mm thick sheet of mild steel. Learn about making your own kata.
